Services Directory
Willow Creek Dog Training
A certified trainer handles your dog — so calm is the plan, not the hope.
Dawsonville, GA, Georgia
About
Bailee Praigg is a second-generation certified dog trainer who grew up training dogs alongside her mother Denise Smalt, founder of Willow Creek Dog Training with over 35 years of experience. Bailee certified her first German Shepherd therapy dog at age seven, and has spent 7+ years leading her own private lessons and group classes in North Georgia's mountains. Her wedding handling service runs on the same professional foundation as her training work — calm, methodical handling backed by deep behavioral knowledge.
How It Works
Before your wedding, Bailee recommends at least one pre-wedding training lesson so your dog is comfortable with key wedding-day behaviors. A 25-minute meet-and-greet is included with every package so your dog already knows her. On the wedding day she handles pre-ceremony walks and potty breaks, the aisle escort at the exact right moment, photo session assistance, and supervision through downtime if you've booked the Half-Day. Coverage ends with safe transport home.
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and occasional Saturdays. Maximum travel distance 3 hours from Dahlonega. Venues beyond 1.5 hours require overnight hotel stay (added to invoice). Travel fee tiers: 36-60 min $75; 61-90 min $150; 91-120 min $250; 121-180 min custom quote.
Services & Capabilities
What Sets Them Apart
- Bailee is a certified dog trainer — she can read stress signals early and adjust how she handles your dog before any behavior issue escalates in front of your guests.
- Optional pre-wedding training lessons let your dog practice the aisle walk, portrait poses, and greeting manners in advance so the actual ceremony is a confident performance.
- Safe transport home within 20 minutes is included in the Half-Day package, so no one in your bridal party has to leave the celebration early.
- A 25-minute meet-and-greet is included in every package so your dog knows Bailee's face before the day — no introductions during the ceremony.
- Bailee is a second-generation trainer, trained alongside her mother Denise Smalt who has 35+ years of professional experience — a depth of knowledge that standard certifications alone don't capture.
Certifications
Pricing
Get in Touch ↓Packages range from $155 for Cocktail Hour coverage to $400 for a Half-Day that includes transport home. Add-ons include additional dog ($100 with second handler), transport ($25+), pre-wedding training lessons (from $65/45 min), rehearsal attendance ($50), and engagement photo-shoot handling ($75 to $135). All fees are 100% due at the meet-and-greet.
Cocktail Hour
$155Up to 1.5 hours of coverage. Handler supervision during cocktail hour, guest meet-and-greets, potty break, water, photos of your dog. Includes 25-minute meet-and-greet prior to event.
Ceremony Package
$235Up to 2.5 hours of coverage. Pre-ceremony potty break, water and walk; escort down the aisle or handler supervision during ceremony; photo session assistance. Includes 25-minute meet-and-greet prior to event.
Half-Day Package
$400Up to 4.5 hours of coverage. Everything in Ceremony Package plus supervision before and after ceremony, walks, water and downtime care, and safe transportation back home or to boarding (under 20 minutes). Includes 25-minute meet-and-greet prior to event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Wedding Dog Handler do?
A Wedding Dog Handler makes it possible for your dog to be part of your special day — without you, your bridal party, or your guests having to worry. We handle everything from potty breaks to walking your dog down the aisle and making sure they're calm and happy for photos.
Does my dog need training before the wedding?
Not always — but we strongly recommend at least one wedding prep lesson beforehand. This helps your dog learn key skills such as walking nicely down the aisle, sitting calmly for photos, and greeting guests politely.
What if my dog gets nervous around crowds?
Every dog is different. If your dog is shy or anxious, we'll make adjustments to set them up for success — whether that means a smaller role in the ceremony, limited time at the reception, or extra prep lessons to build confidence.
Do you provide supplies?
No. All supplies (leash, collar/harness, water bowl, food/treats, clean-up items, etc.) must be provided by the owner.
What happens after the wedding?
We'll follow your plan — whether that's handing your dog back to a family member, sitter, or escorting them home (depending on the package you choose).
How many handlers will there be?
One per dog.
Service Areas
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Get in Touch with Willow Creek Dog Training
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Other Vendors in the Area
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